Based in Ocean Beach, members of the Suicide Chords grew up in different cities, bringing to the band a wide range of influences from soul, classic rock, metal, hip-hop, and jazz. The band includes two former members of Born Tonight, Jay Edwards (vocals) and Jai Luna (guitar), alongside Clay Hackett(drums) and Dylan Wills (bass), both from Take Over Turn.

In 2011, they released their Wilshire EP, followed by the 11:11 (the Prelude) EP, produced by Dan Whittemore (Swagger Studios) and recorded at MidCity Sound in North Hollywood. In early 2012, an online video was released for “Be Careful What You Wish For,” filmed and edited by L.A. videographer Ben Edwards.

In 2014, former drummer Clay Hackett (also of the band Mursic) announced his plans to launch a new venture. As he described it, “The Catalyst is an online magazine that covers [San Diego] rock and metal, all the way to the county limits so nobody gets left out.”